If money were no object, the 4th of July holiday weekend footwear may look a little something like this:

For the picnic, or the baseball game (the Nationals have a double-header on Saturday, you know), let’s don these adorable Kate Spade sandals. That bow, the grosgrain fabric, the basketweave heel — nothing could say casual American holiday better.

For the night out, how about this classic Burberry espadrille paired with a flowy black sundress? Love the combination of red patent leather, espadrille midsol, and the check pattern.

For the wide-leg white linen pants (or the white linen anything), how about these striking Diane Von Furstenberg wedges? Yes, the height, the bold color, the multi-pattern wedge heel would contrast beautifully with white.

And what to drink this Independence Day? Well, we’ll have to get back to you on that, but these Black and Blue Mojitos and this Campari Cup are strong contenders (particularly given the amount of fresh mint we have growing over at chez S&C).

The Spring Wish List has begun. And you can save the color for the tulips. A fantastic tote in taupe, an asymmetrical camo clutch. (How about these swooping asymmetry wedges from Anthropologie to go with that clutch, eh?) How awesome are the cutout wedges in spiced olive? (We’ll never get tired of wedges over here at S&C.) And for the dressier gal, Talbots (yes, Talbots) has bow platforms in dark sweet almond and criss-cross peep-toes in dark lugguge. There’s something about calm, peaceful, restful colors that sounds about right.

Miss Mojito and I seem to be on the same wavelength (but that’s nothing new, right Miss M?). Last week she highlighted a few footwear selections conducive to walking. Ms. S&C gets around on foot A LOT and has some new acquisitions she’d like to share.

I came across these bright, sunny BC Footwear flats in a little boutique in State College, PA. So far, they’ve taken me on and off the metro, morning walks to yoga, and more recently, a stroll around Central Park. They are a great casual shoe with a happy color.

SimplySoles, based right here in DC, has an exclusive line of shoes — lillybee — and these stylish, pointy toe wedges are named “Angela.” Owning them was like my destiny, I suppose. The classic design and color mean they will be worn A LOT. Totally chic with the patent leather straps and a little bit of height, they are a perfect match when you want style and comfort. They are what Miss Mojito has coined wedge-a-rific.

Ms. S&C wants to know: What shoes do you wear when getting around on foot? Do you find it hard to balance fashion and comfort? Do you even care? Tell us your thoughts below.

Now that days are hot and nights are warm, Miss Mojito has found more opportunities to make walking her preferred method of transportation. And with a long summer walk comes a need for some summer shoes that value fashion as much as comfort.

Miss Mojito is contemplating an investment in one of the following styles.

My husband’s co-worker is marrying into a prominent Virginia political family and the wedding will be held at their farm in early June. We have been invited for the occasion, which will undoubtedly be a fabulous, swanky affair filled with all the see-and-be-seen people in both Virginia and DC politics.

I must say, I have a smashing dress. The problem? The website says, and I quote: “Flat shoes are recommended since the majority of the location is on grass.” While my feet are already breathing a sigh of relief (think: no blisters after four hours on the dance floor), I’m perplexed when it comes to the idea of fashionable flats.

So, now what? Any suggestions on flats that can go with a cute, tea-length summery ensemble? (Of course, not too pricey since they might get caked with mud or grass stains.) Or, do I tone down the dress to parallel the flats? Help!

–Shoeless & Stumped, Alexandria, Va.

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Dear Shoeless & Stumped,

Every year before my organization’s annual convention, (when I know I’m going to be on my feet for hours upon hours), I find myself shoeless and stumped, and in need of fashionable flats. Thankfully, this category of shoes has exploded in recent years – so, there are options. Quite possibly too many options. Navigating the choices can be daunting and time-consuming. For your fabulous and swanky affair, here’s what I recommend you look for in a pair of flats.

Metallic – This may be the easiest way to dress up a pair of flats. Plus, gold and silver (or bronze) look good with almost any color scheme. Plus, plus – they are very easy to match with your accessories – a silver clutch bag or nice gold earrings equals a great outfit. These silver flats are from MIA and available in many colors at Endless for $69.95.

Patent – Another surefire way to dress up a pair of shoes. And, if the weather is not cooperating, shiny patent is easy to wipe clean.

Embellishment – Bows, beading or other embellishments on the toe can turn ordinary flats into fashionable flats. These patent bow flats are Anne Klein and available in a variety of colors at Endless for $79.00.

Prints – Obviously, print or floral shoes are out-of-the-question if you are wearing a printed dress. But, if you are wearing solid colors, printed shoes are so eye-catching. They can make a statement and one winning outfit. These summery floral flats are from Nine West and available at Piperlime for $59.00.

Lastly, you could wear a pair of wedges. I personally would have a hard time settling on flats, especially if I’m wearing a perfectly “smashing dress.” I just feel more comfortable with a little extra height. Wedges offer stability on grass, while giving you a polished look. Below are a few options that I really like. The braided t-straps are from Etienne Aigner and available in black or gold at Piperlime for $70.00. The peep-toe wedges are Bandolino and available in black, gold and turquoise(!) at Piperlime for $69.00. Yes, something else to consider…

Thanks so much for your note! Hope S&C has made the world of fashionable flats a little less perplexing. Have fun at the wedding!

Yours in shoes,
Ms. S&C

PS – I do hope you’ll report back on what shoes you wore, and dish about the wedding. Anonymously, of course.

The pounding hooves, blistering sun and lingering scent of bourbon in the air can only mean one thing: Foxfield. Miss Mojito spent this past weekend at one of her favorite springtime celebrations. The Foxfield Races are steeplechase races (distance horse racing with jumps and such) that are basically an excuse for Albemarle County’s biggest tailgate party.

Miss Mojito’s favorite part of Foxfield has, traditionally, been the wardrobe picks. My favorite outfit in the seven years that I’ve attended the races entailed a horse-pattern dress (custom made by Mother Mojito) with a petticoat, cowgirl boots, a straw hat covered in feathers and a matching purse.

Since graduating from college, Miss Mojito has toned down her outfits a bit – but that doesn’t mean she takes the task of dressing for Foxfield any less seriously! With sunny skies and 90 degree temps in the forecast, I snagged a strapless, bohemian-style frock from Off 5th, the Saks outlet store. But what to choose in the way of footwear?

Flops are de rigueur for Foxfield. While standing in the grass all day, you certainly don’t want to find yourself in a pair of stilettos. But flats did nothing to accentuate the empire styling of my dress. A 4.5-inch heel was desired–nay, required–to make this particular outfit work. And with a $10 coupon to DSW in hand, I decided that wedges were the way to go. I’ve been coveting a cut-out heel for ages now, so this pair by Madden Girl met multiple shoewear desires. And while they weren’t the most comfortable pair of shoes ever worn, they were most certainly the most comfortable pair of 4.5-inch heels that ever graced Miss Mojito’s feet.

Mint juleps were the libation of choice for this day of fun, but since we encountered that particular concotion just last week, let’s examine another race-friendly drink today. After a bit of research, I discovered that all of the “big” races (the Belmont, the Preakness and the upcoming Derby) have their own signature drinks. So why not Foxfield? I’m taking a nod from Ms. S&C and recommending this festive Bourbon Punch as a contender for the official drink. Foxfield just isn’t Foxfield without a bit of bourbon, and I’m crazy about the addition of tangy grapefruit juice. And though I’ll have to wait until 2010 to give the punch an official test run at the races, there’s nothing stopping me from conducting a cocktail dress rehearsal this weekend!

About Shoes & Cocktails

The blog dedicated to shoes, cocktails, and things related was created by Ms. ShoesandCocktails, a Washington, DC area resident, who lives with her husband and dog, and is surrounded by friends with good taste and a weakness for cocktails. Ms. S&C would love to hear from you, so feel free to contact her at: shoesandcocktails(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Miss Mojito also joins Ms. S&C as a contributor. Miss M is from Richmond, VA, and lives and breathes for the delightful Cuban cocktail from which she borrows her name.